Colts coach Chuck Pagano is giving the silent treatment on who will replace Toler in the starting lineup. The only thing Pagano would say is that it’ll be either Cassius Vaughn or Darius Butler.

Butler is the team’s nickelback, but it wouldn’t be surprising if Vaughn starts at cornerback because of how well Butler plays the nickel position.

Butler has 16 tackles, eight passes defended and two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, this season.

“I like nickel because you have to talk more, you can make calls with the corner and the safety,” Butler said when asked his preference. “I like that because it makes me think more, anticipate more, watch more film.”

Safety Delano Howell (neck) and cornerback Josh Gordy (groin) are also out against the Texans. Receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey was held out of practice Friday as a precaution because of a hamstring problem, but Pagano said he should play Sunday. Center Samson Satele (knee) and linebacker Bjoern Werner (foot) are also expected to be in the lineup.